Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin tabled a motion of no confidence in her senior minister James Reilly on 3 September 2012 after yet more cuts in the health service.[3] Shortall addressed the Dáil during this motion and did not indicate her support for him or mention his name once,[4] though she did vote against the motion. She resigned as Minister of State for Primary Care on 26 September 2012, and also resigned the Parliamentary Labour Party whip.[5]